phenomenal

[fi-nom-uh-nl]

adjective

1. highly extraordinary or prodigious; exceptional.

   phenomenal speed.

   Synonyms: unprecedented, surpassing, outstanding, uncommon

2. of or relating to phenomena.

3. of the nature of a phenomenon; cognizable by the senses.

phenomenal

/ fɪˈnɒmɪnəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a phenomenon

2. extraordinary; outstanding; remarkable

   a phenomenal achievement

3. philosophy known or perceived by the senses rather than the mind

Other Word Forms

• phenomenally adverb
• phenomenality noun
• nonphenomenal adjective
• nonphenomenally adverb
• semiphenomenal adjective
• semiphenomenally adverb
• unphenomenal adjective
• unphenomenally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomenal¹

First recorded in 1815–25; phenomen(on) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The federal government, however, denies this saying it has held talks with local leaders since 2023, and the dialogue process had yielded "phenomenal results".

From BBC

Wood has been phenomenal for Forest since turning his loan from Newcastle into a permanent move in 2023.

From BBC

That "phenomenal experience" may have been missing in some of his earlier roles, but it has become central to his coaching philosophy now, with his contract running until 30 June 2026.

From BBC

"She was pretty special today wasn't she? If she gets a bit of space, she is phenomenal," said Mitchell.

From BBC

Arguably the most dramatic event of Friday was the men's triple jump, in which Portugal's Pedro Pichardo emulated the gold he won at the Tokyo Olympics in phenomenal style.

From BBC

Related Words

• extraordinary 
• fantastic 
• marvelous 
• miraculous 
• outstanding 
• prodigious 
• remarkable 
• sensational 
• substantial 
• unparalleled 
• unusual